Armed Forces veteran Lewis celebrates his 100th birthday ahead of Remembrance Sunday

Born in 1925, Mr Scott moved into his Gentoo home in 1959. He served in the Korean War, worked in the shipyards, and has witnessed the transformation of Sunderland from its industrial roots to the vibrant city it is today.

Despite reaching a milestone few achieve, Mr Scott remains modest about turning 100.

He said: “I’ve never felt any different. My eyes aren’t as good as they used to be, but I still use the stairs and exercise every morning. I’m fitter than some of my family.”

His home has been a constant for 66 years, made special by the presence of his family, which he said are “the best thing that’s ever happened to me”.

Reflecting on Sunderland’s evolution, Mr Scott recalled his early days in the East End, where homes had no indoor taps and water was boiled in a cement basin over a brick fireplace.

Today, he marvels at the city’s progress, praising the redevelopment of the Sheepfolds and the new bridge, which he crossed on its second day open.

A lifelong Sunderland AFC supporter, Mr Scott fondly remembers his first visit to Roker Park in 1937 with his father, the year Sunderland won the FA Cup.

He said: “The players came out in white strips, and one of them was carrying the cup. I’ll never forget Raich Carter scoring.”

His time in the Army took him far from home. Serving in the 7th Tank Regiment during the Korean War, Mr Scott recalled a poignant moment at Suwon railway station where he met a young girl standing alone.

He said: “We became friends. I called her June, and she called me Geordie. When I had to leave, she cried.”

He also shared the heartbreak of losing comrades, including a sergeant killed in a mortar strike and a young man from Middlesbrough who drowned while helping refugees cross a river.

After Korea, Mr Scott served in Hong Kong for 18 months before returning to Sunderland and resuming work in the shipyards.

Despite his advancing years, Mr Scott still lives independently in his Gentoo home.

He said: “Gentoo’s wellbeing team have been great. They fitted handrails at the front door, on the stairs, and in the bathroom. We also get letters from Gentoo thanking us for keeping our garden tidy.”

To mark his special milestone, Mr Scott was visited by Hayley King and Carla Cuthbertson from Gentoo.

Carla dedicates her personal life to championing veterans and remembrance. Alongside her husband Tom, Carla was awarded an MBE in 2020 for their tireless work through the charity Brothers In Arms, founded in memory of their son Nathan, who was tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2008 at just 19 years old.

This Remembrance Sunday, Mr Scott plans to visit Mowbray Park and the veteran’s parade, a tribute he’s proud to see in his city.

He said: “I’ve got a big poppy and always send money in support. I was over the moon to hear about the veterans’ path.”